“And we thank you and Raziel for agreeing to lead and doing it with grace.” Chione clicked her glass against his.
“Life has changed for the better,” Marban admitted. “And I am an old pessimist.”
“It feels so strange,” Anwar admitted. “Even before I lost Fadel, I thought I was happy. But now, I truly am and realize that this past feeling was but a pale reflection of happiness.”
“The dogs are pleased that I am less stressed,” Illarion mused.
“We must not forget the dogs,” Valerius muttered into his drink.
“Do you think Tilly will take good care of them? I left her with many plushies, bones--
“So what is the plan?” Valerius cut Illarion off. “Before we meet up with Caden?”
“Meat,” Illarion said with a grin.
“Meat?” Valerius asked
MEAT?! Raziel’s head jolted up.
“They should be ready for us,” Anwar said after checking his silver and diamond watch.
“Where is the meat?” Valerius’ stomach was rumbling.
“This way!” Chione giggled and lured him with a gesture to the door. “But you’ll have to leave your beloved bedroom.”
Valerius was already on his feet and heading to the door. He’d drained the cognac and tossed the cigar in the fire. When he looked back, everyone other than Chione and himself was still sitting.
“What are you waiting for?” Valerius asked. “Let’s get this party started!”
MEAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTT! Raziel roared and filled the lair with fire.
They all went out into the courtyard where an SUV was waiting for them with Ngoye driving and Simi in the front passenger seat.
“We just got done taking Caden and the others to their first spot. I think it is a hit,” Simi enthused.
Did he and Iolaire get meat too? Raziel was practically pushing on the inside of his chest. Iolaire, evidently, wasn’t telling.
I’m sure they got something wonderful, Valerius assured his hungry and aggressive Spirit.
“Where are we going?” Valerius asked.
“Oh, just wait!” Chione beamed at him.
They were driven to a woody area just outside of the fashionable homes of High Reach. Valerius and Raziel both loved the natural aspect of it. He saw no night clubs or fancy restaurants so he was intrigued when he saw that there were incredibly high end cars lining the road and people dressed to impress walking on the sidewalk. They pulled up what was a stone arch that led into a park. But this park was no dew-laden, night shrouded land of grass and trees. No, there were individual bonfires surrounded by incredibly cozy-looking couches laden with pillows and furs. It was very similar to his own firepit. He blinked.
Servers dressed in gaucho pants and white shirts came to the bonfires with meat and vegetables on skewers to roast on the fires. Iced bottles of champagne, rich reds and crisp white wines were being served everywhere. The diners ate with their hands and licked their fingers clean of the delicious juices that ran from the just-cooked meats.
When the door of the SUV was opened, Valerius was the first out as the rich, meaty smell hit his nostrils. He had to press on the center of his chest to keep Raziel from shifting them. Illarion bumped his shoulder.
“I figured if we got you drunk on meat, you wouldn’t mind the dancing,” Illarion said.
“I will watch you dance, Illarion, all you wish. I intend for my belly to be too full to move,” Valerius grinned and jostled the Green Dragon King back.
“This way, gentlemen, our table is ready,” Chione said, appearing ahead of them with a smiling server who placed glasses of champagne in their hands as they passed him by.
While there were many covert looks and a few glasses raised in their direction, Valerius was pleased to note that no one rushed over to them for autographs or selfies or to complain about their rule. The people were respectful, but kept their distance.
“How did you make this magic happen, Chione?” Valerius asked.
